Greyhound Racing Prohibition Bill Reaches NSW Upper House

The NSW Government’s plans to ban greyhound racing have been progressing and have now reached a significant stage with the Greyhound Racing Prohibition Bill being passed by the state’s Upper House.

Following the release of a Special Commission of Inquiry that found widespread mistreatment of animals in the greyhound industry last month, NSW Premier Mike Baird announced the government’s plan to ban the sport.

In the face of stiff opposition from the public and from within the ruling Liberal/National party, the bill has moved through the Upper House and is expected to be approved by the Lower House later this month. Labor attempted unsuccessfully to delay the vote and have promised to overrule the ban if they are elected in 2019.

Labor has complained that the government is suddenly shutting down the industry “leaving thousands of people and thousands of dogs in limbo” while not bringing those who are responsible for the abuse, to justice.

In addition, a number of statistical and factual errors have been uncovered in the inquiry report. The greyhound industry has taken the matter to the Supreme Court.

Minister Duncan Gay, leader of the Upper House said that he recognises the challenges to those in the industry, but his party is determined to go ahead with the process regardless.

“We recognise that people who are affected need to know what will be available to them so they can plan for the future,” he stated.

“To that end, the government commits that it will announce its package of measures to help within three months from the passing of this legislation.”

“We are consulting on options like payments related specifically to the costs of moving dogs out of the New South Wales industry or supporting the RSPCA and other animal welfare services in re-homing and fostering greyhounds.”